Method for operating a cooking hob and cooking hob

Abstract

A method for operating a hob (100) having at least one cooking zone (110, 115, 120, 125) and an intake duct (105) for vapors comprises reading in a service signal indicating cleaning of the intake duct (105) and providing a restriction signal in response to the service signal in order to restrict a heating power of the cooking zone (110, 115, 120, 125).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for operating a hob and to a hob.

[0002] In the case of cooktops with extractor hoods, the user can remove the vapor guide element at any time and reach into the shaft, for example to clean the shaft.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved method and an improved device for operating a hob and an improved hob.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a device for operating a hob and a hob having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention are a reduced risk of injury when a user wishes to clean the intake duct of a hob.

[0006] A method for operating a hob having at least one cooking zone and a suction duct for vapors comprises the following steps: Reading a service signal indicating cleaning of the suction duct; and providing a restriction signal in response to the service signal to effect a restriction of a heating power of the cooking zone.

[0007] The hob can also be referred to as a cooking recess and is used for preparing food. For example, the hob can be designed as an induction hob with integrated vapor extraction. A cooking zone can be an area on the surface of the hob where cooking utensils, such as pots or pans, are placed. The suction shaft can be designed as a through hole for extracting the vapors created during cooking. During cleaning, a user can reach into the shaft. Advantageously, such cleaning can be detected, and the power used to heat cookware can be reduced. By reducing the heating power, the user can be prevented from being injured, for example due to vapors escaping from a pot. In addition, the display of service mode can be improved, the power supply can be interconnected, and conflicts with cooking processes can be avoided.According to various embodiments, the service signal can indicate an upcoming or already initiated cleaning of the intake duct. The service signal can be provided manually or automatically. The limitation signal can be suitable for limiting the heating power of a heating device assigned to the cooking zone to a predetermined maximum value or to zero. For example, the heating power can be reduced to such an extent that boiling of liquid in a cookware is prevented.

[0008] The method may include a step of detecting the actuation of a button on the hob. Furthermore, the method may include a step of providing the service signal in response to the actuation. The button may be a special button associated with the cleaning shaft or a control button on a control panel. This allows the user to notify the cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, the control button may be provided via an app on an external device connected to the hob, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0009] In the detection step, an actuation of a plurality of buttons, for example, of a control panel, also referred to as a service button panel, of the cooktop can be detected. In the provision step, the service signal can be provided if the actuation of a plurality of buttons corresponds to a predetermined actuation pattern. The actuation pattern can be a sequence or combination in which the buttons are to be actuated to signal cleaning. This can prevent an accidental reduction in heating power.

[0010] In the providing step, a cancellation signal may be provided to release the heating power restriction. The cancellation signal may be provided in response to a completion signal, which may indicate the completion of cleaning. This may restore normal function of the cooktop.

[0011] In this case, the completion signal can be provided in response to the expiration of a predetermined cleaning time or in response to the actuation of a button. The predetermined cleaning time allows for automatic restoration of normal function. In contrast, the actuation of the button provides security against premature restoration of normal function.

[0012] During the provisioning step, a blocking signal can be provided in response to the service signal to block an external control of the cooktop. The external control can be used to control the cooktop with, for example, a smartphone or remote control. This can prevent another user from activating the cooktop while the user is performing cleaning.

[0013] In the provisioning step, a deactivation signal can be provided in response to the service signal to deactivate the automated detection of a cookware item. Automated detection can be achieved by detecting the cookware via coils of an induction hob. By deactivating the detection of the cookware, the use of another cookware item can be prevented.

[0014] In the provisioning step, a reduction signal can be provided in response to the service signal to trigger a reduced display of a control panel. This can alert the user to a limited function of the cooktop. For example, a selection option for high cooking levels can be hidden.

[0015] In the provisioning step, a prohibition signal can be provided in response to the service signal, which prohibits the activation of one or more inactive cooking zones. This can prevent the use of additional cookware.

[0016] In the provisioning step, an opening signal can be provided to open a cover of the suction shaft. The cover can be understood as a type of panel that conceals the suction shaft when inactive. The opening signal can enable automated opening of the cover. This allows cleaning to be performed.

[0017] Preferably, before opening the cover of the intake shaft, a fan of the extractor device belonging to the intake shaft is also switched off.

[0018] The approach presented here further provides a device for operating a hob, wherein the device can be designed to carry out or control the steps of the method according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units.

[0019] A corresponding hob has at least one cooking zone and an intake shaft for vapors, and an embodiment of the said device.

[0020] A computer program product with program code for carrying out the method according to one embodiment, if the computer program product can be executed on a control unit according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0021] Although the approach described is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in the context of a commercial or professional appliance.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hob; and Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a hob; and Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a method for operating a hob; and Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control unit for operating a hob.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hob 100. According to one embodiment, the hob 100 is an induction hob whose hob plate is formed as a glass ceramic.

[0024] In the center of the cooktop, an intake duct 105 is arranged between cooking zones 110, 115. In this exemplary embodiment, the cooktop 100 has four cooking zones 110, 115, 120, 125, with the intake duct 105 being arranged between a first pair of cooking zones 110, 120 and a second pair of cooking zones 115, 125.

[0025] According to an alternative embodiment, the suction shaft 105 is arranged at a different position in the cooking surface 100.

[0026] In order to clean an optional filter in the intake duct 105, as well as the intake duct 105, also referred to as the ventilation duct, or to remove foreign objects, such as pasta, that have fallen into the intake duct 105, the user must reach between any hot cooking utensils in use, for frying or cooking, and into the intake duct 105. The approach described here can prevent the risk of injury from boiling over or splashing hot fat, especially if the user is distracted by the service activity.

[0027] According to the illustrated embodiment, a separate service button 130 is arranged on the cooktop panel adjacent to the intake duct 105, here, for example, at a corner of the intake duct 105. Pressing the service button 130 reduces the power of a cooking zone. This allows a user to reduce the power of the cooking zones 110, 115, 120, and 125 by pressing the service button 130 in order to safely remove objects that have fallen into the intake duct 105. The reduced power contributes to avoiding the risk of injury to the user.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the cooktop 100 meets the trend toward understated design in the kitchen, particularly the customer's desire to fully integrate the kitchen into the living space.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the cooktop 100 represents a cooktop with an extractor hood. For this purpose, the open intake duct 105 is located centrally in the glass ceramic. To meet the need for a clean design, the intake duct 105 can optionally be closed with a closure element. This ensures that the intake duct 105 and the extractor hood's filter systems are visually concealed when the extractor hood is not in use. This allows the cooktop 100 to be optimally integrated into the interior design.

[0030] The locking element can be opened by motor during operation or during servicing upon user action, for example, by pressing the service button 130. Thus, the service button 130 can be used for shaft cleaning.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an alternative design of a hob 100. In contrast to the Figure 1 The hob described in Figure 2The hob 100 described above has a control panel 205 with a plurality of buttons 230 instead of a separate service button 130. Using the control panel 205, the user can control functions of the hob 100, for example, the power levels of the cooking zones 110, 115, 120, 125. The control panel 205 allows the user to announce an upcoming cleaning of the suction shaft 105 by pressing a combination of buttons.

[0032] This allows the user to reduce the power of the cooking zones 110, 115, 120, 125 by appropriately pressing a selection of the buttons 230 of the control panel 205 in order to safely remove objects that have fallen into the suction duct 105. A corresponding key combination, for example, is the simultaneous pressing of the three left-hand buttons 230 of the control panel 205, indicated by a dashed border.

[0033] According to embodiments, the hob 100 reduces the power consumption when a service function is activated, for example when a separate button is pressed, as shown in Figure 1 The power of the cooking zones 110, 115, 120, and 125, also known as cooking zones, is reduced by pressing a combination of buttons or holding down a button on existing filter indicators. The reduction can optionally be canceled after the service function has been completed by a timer or by pressing a button. A familiar "Stop+Go" function could be used here.

[0034] While the power is reduced, also referred to as service time, according to different embodiments, one or more of the functions mentioned below are blocked. For example, no external control of the hob 100, for example by an app, which is run, for example, by a mobile device, is possible. Likewise, the pot detection visible to the customer is deactivated. During the service time, the activation of a new cooking zone 110, 115, 120, 125 is prohibited. In order to make a reduced mode, also referred to as restricted mode, known to users, a display serving as a user interface is executed, as the control panel 205 or the Figure 1The service button 130 shown is displayed in a reduced size, for example by hiding the control panel 205 or the service button 130. This could be technically necessary to reduce the power consumption of the control panel 205, which is, for example, touch-sensitive. This leaves enough power from the power supply to realize the motorized opening of the panel.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the cooktop 100 has a control device for controlling a function of the cooktop 100. The control device is coupled, for example, to the control panel 230 in a signal-transmitting manner. According to one embodiment, the control device is designed to provide a restriction signal in response to a service signal indicating cleaning of the intake duct 105, which restriction signal is suitable for restricting the heating power of all or at least some of the cooking zones. Optionally, the cooktop comprises a sensor device designed to sense an intervention in the intake duct 105 and to provide the service signal in response to a sensed intervention. Additionally or alternatively, a corresponding service signal is triggered by pressing at least one button, for example, the control panel 230, or a corresponding service signal is generated in response to pressing the at least one button.Optionally, the control device is designed to remove restrictions implemented for the safe cleaning of the intake shaft 105, for example automatically after a cleaning period has elapsed or in response to the user pressing at least one button.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a cooktop, as described, for example, with reference to the preceding figures. Using method 300, the heating power of the cooktop can be reduced when cleaning the extraction shaft.

[0037] In step 301, a service signal is read in, indicating an upcoming or initiated cleaning of the intake duct. In step 303, a restriction signal is provided in response to the service signal. The service signal is suitable for limiting the heating power of the cooking zone.

[0038] According to one embodiment, an actuation of a button of the hob is detected in a step 305. In a step 307, the service signal is provided in response to the actuation.

[0039] Optionally, in step 305, not only the actuation of one key, but also the actuation of multiple keys is detected. In step 307, the service signal is provided if the actuation of a plurality of keys 230 corresponds to a predetermined actuation pattern.

[0040] Additionally, according to one embodiment, a cancellation signal is provided in step 303 to cancel the heating power restriction, wherein the cancellation signal is provided in response to a completion signal indicating completion of cleaning. Optionally, the completion signal is provided in step 303 when a predetermined cleaning time period has elapsed or when a corresponding key or key combination has been pressed. For example, to monitor the cleaning time period, a timer is started in response to the reading of the service signal in step 301.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, in step 303, in response to the service signal, a blocking signal for blocking an external control of the hob is provided.

[0042] According to one embodiment, in step 303, in response to the service signal, a deactivation signal is provided to deactivate automated detection of a cookware item.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, in step 303, in response to the service signal, a reduction signal is provided to trigger a reduced display of a control panel.

[0044] According to one embodiment, in step 303, in response to the service signal, a prohibition signal is provided which prohibits setting an inactive cooking zone into an active state.

[0045] Optionally, in step 303, an opening signal is provided to open a cover of the intake shaft.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a device for operating a hob 100, as it is shown for example in the Figures 1 and 2 For example, the device is designed to carry out the steps of the method according to Figure 3 to carry out and / or control the process described in appropriate units.

[0047] The device 400 has a control device 450 and optionally an actuating device 455, which, for example, Figure 1 described key.

[0048] The control device 450 is configured to read a service signal 460 indicating a cleaning of the intake duct. The control device 450 is configured to use the service signal 460 to determine a restriction signal 465 and provide it, for example, to a heating device. The restriction signal 465 is suitable for limiting the heating power of the cooking zone.

[0049] If the device 400 comprises the actuating device 455, the actuating device 455 is configured to detect an actuation of the actuating device 455 and to provide the service signal 460 in response to the actuation.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the control device 450 is configured to provide a cancellation signal 470. The cancellation signal 470 is suitable for canceling the heating power restriction. For example, the cancellation signal 470 is provided in response to a completion signal 475 indicating completion of the cleaning.

[0051] According to the illustrated embodiment, the actuating device 455 is configured to provide the cancellation signal 470, for example, after a renewed actuation. Alternatively, the cancellation signal 470 is provided in response to the expiration of a predetermined cleaning period. For this purpose, the control device 450 comprises, for example, a timer that is started in response to the service signal 460.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the control device 450 is configured to provide a blocking signal 480 for blocking an external control of the hob.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the control device 450 is configured to provide a deactivation signal 485 to deactivate automated detection of a cooking utensil.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the control device 450 is configured to provide a reduction signal 490 to trigger a reduced display of a control panel.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the control device 450 is configured to provide a prohibition signal 495 which prohibits setting an inactive cooking zone into an active state.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the control device 450 is configured to provide an opening signal 497 for opening a cover of the intake shaft.

Claims

1. A method for operating a hob (100) having at least one cooking zone (110, 115, 120, 125) and an intake duct (105) for vapors, the method (300) comprising the following steps: reading (301) a service signal (460) indicating cleaning of the intake duct (105); and providing (303) a restriction signal (465) in response to the service signal (460) in order to restrict a heating power of the cooking zone (110, 115, 120, 125).

2. Method (300) according to claim 1, comprising a step (305) of detecting an actuation of at least one button (130; 230) of the hob (100) and a step (307) of providing the service signal (460) in response to the actuation.

3. The method (300) according to claim 2, wherein in the step (305) of detecting, the actuation of a plurality of buttons (230) of the hob (100) is detected, and in the step (307) of providing, the service signal (460) is provided if the actuation of the plurality of buttons (230) corresponds to a predetermined actuation pattern.

4. The method (300) of any preceding claim, wherein in the providing step (303), a cancellation signal (470) is provided to cancel the heating power limitation, the cancellation signal (470) being provided in response to a completion signal (475) indicating completion of the cleaning.

5. The method (300) of claim 4, wherein in the step (303) of providing the cancellation signal (470), the completion signal (475) is provided in response to an expiration of a predetermined cleaning time period or in response to an actuation of a button (130; 230).

6. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (303) of providing, in response to the service signal (460), a blocking signal (480) for blocking an external control of the cooking surface (100) is provided.

7. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (303) of providing, in response to the service signal (460), a deactivation signal (485) is provided to deactivate an automated detection of a cooking utensil.

8. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (303) of providing, in response to the service signal (460), a reduction signal (490) is provided to trigger a reduced display of a control panel (205).

9. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (303) of providing, in response to the service signal (460), a prohibition signal (495) is provided which prohibits setting an inactive cooking zone (110, 115, 120, 125) into an active state.

10. The method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (303) of providing, an opening signal (497) for opening a cover of the intake shaft (105) is provided.

11. Device (400) for operating a hob (100), wherein the device (400) is designed to carry out and / or control the steps of the method (300) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units.

12. Hob (100) with at least one cooking zone (110, 115, 120, 125) and an intake duct (105) for vapors, and a device (400) according to claim 11.

13. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (300) according to one of claims 1 to 10, when the computer program product is executed on a device (400) according to claim 11.

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